Tape-measure.



Patented lune 3, |902. W. CHESTERMAN.

TAPE MEASURE.`

(Application filed Nov. 16, 1901.)

(No Model.)

minas@ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VILLIAM CI-IESTERMAN, OF SIIEFFIELD, ENGLAND.

TAPE-MEASURE.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 701,681, dated June 3, 1902 Application led* November 16, 1901. Serial No. 82,548. (No model.)

T0 all whom, it 711/603/ concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM OHEsTERMAN, a citizen of England, residing at Bow Works, Sheflield,in the county of York,England,have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Tape-Measures, (for which I have obtained a patent in Great Britain, dated May 14, 1901, No. 9,988,) of which the following is a specification. l

In my British specification No. 16,252 of 1891 I have described a Awinding-handle and center for a measuring-tape, in which l the handle is lifted by inserting the `thumb-nail in a notch provided for the purpose. My present invention consists in providing a more convenient and effective means forI raising the handle, so that this can be done when the nail is Weak or when a glove is Worn by the operator, as I shall describe, referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figures l and 2 are respectively a plan and a section of the central part of the tape, showing the winding-handle folded down when not in use. Figs. 3 and 4 are similar views show ing the handle open and ready for use for Winding the tape. Fig. 5 is a detail section showing the spring for retaining the handle in its closed position.

The handle consists of a knob a, projecting from a disk b, which is hinged to the shell of the handle. From the disk b a lever-arm c` projects beyond the hinge,and under this arm c part of the shell of the handle is slotted out On pressto give room for its movement.

ing the arm c downward the disk b, with its knob ot, is caused to rise sufficiently to allow the fingers to open it ont to the position for use. When the handle is closed, the disk b is held in position by a pair of springs, preferably made in one piece, which prevent the handle from opening ont of itself, but which readily yield when pressure is applied to the Aarm c.

The parts marked d represent the( case of leather or other material towhich the bushes 'e4 are attached.

Having thus described the nature of my saidinvention and the bestmeans I know of carrying the same into practical eect, I clairnl- A tape-measure having a case with a winding-reel therein, and a tilting handle pivoted to a hinge-pin on the reel, said handle when closed being substantially iush with the case, and having a lever-arm projecting to the rear 'of'V the hinge-pin, so as to form an opening thumb-piece for the handle when closed, the

lcase having a recess to allow the extension to beipressed downwardly; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM CHESTERMAN.

W'itnesses:

THOMAS RENsHAw, W. H. CHAPMAN. 

